"He inspired people by truly accepting and undergoing their hardships and trials, which to say the least were very, very trying at this time."
An Unnamed Soldier about Father Kapaun
A MEMORIAL TO A KANSAS HERO
Father Emil Joseph Kapaun was a humble Catholic Priest and courageous Army Chaplain who gave his life serving his troops in the Korean War. A national and religious hero, he was awarded our nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor, by President Barack Obama in 2013.
This farm boy from Pilsen, Kansas was shaped by the soil of the Sunflower State and enabled to bring the light of faith and love to the darkest of places on earth: the battlefields and prison camps of Korea.
An exemplary model of the courageous and persevering spirit of Kansans, this memorial statue will honor Father Kapaun at the heart of our great State, and ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come.
STAY INFORMED
You can help honor a great Kansan!
The bill passed through the Kansas Legislature with unanimous support and was signed into law on March 22, 2024.
A committee of Kansans will meet to discuss the design of the statue, and fundraising will begin in the near future. All funds for the Kapaun Memorial will come from private donations.
Fill out the form below to be added to our mailing list and be kept informed on progress.
© 2024 Father Kapaun Capitol Memorial Committee